52 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
Insleayi, lave, and hastilabium. In fact, so long as they remain healthy 
and plump, it shows that the root action is all right, and the only way te 
keep it so is to avoid too much water at all times. 
HABENARIAS.—These tuberous-rooted Orchids, having rested since 
flowering in the autumn on a shelf, or suspended in some dry position, and 
examined occasionally to see that they do not become too much dried and 
shrivelled up, will soon commence to push new growth from the crown, and 
when this takes place they may be turned out and re-potted in new 
materials. Use sandy peat and fibrous loam, freely intermixed with broken 
crocks to keep the whole thoroughly open and porous. Pots rather deep , 
should be used, as the tubers grow long, but they should not be over large, 
a “60” size being ample for a large tuber, and smaller ones for the others, 
They should occupy a light position in the Warm house, and be watered very 
sparingly for a month or six weeks after being repotted, or damping of the 
tubers may ensue. When in active growth, copious waterings should be given. 
Disas.—These lovely terrestrial Orchids, having been kept tolerably dry 
in an airy position in a Cool house for the winter, will soon be moving more 
quickly, and may have their water supply increased. Abstain from giving 
large quantities for another month or two, by which time the danger of 
hard frosts will be past, when they may be removed to a cool frame facing 
north, and receive much air, and copious supplies of rain water throughout 
the summer. Ido not advise the repotting of Disas at this period, as they 
are now in the middle of their growth, and it checks them too severely. 
Such work should be done immediately after blooming in the autumn. 
Aphis and thrip are sometimes troublesome, from which, it is needless to 
say, the plants should be kept free. 
MaASDEVALLIAs.—The present is a good month for the re-potting of 
Masdevallias. They are sometimes kept too wet at the root, and, when so, 
they grow poorly and flower very indifferently, During summer a liberal 
quantity of water is highly appreciated, especially if the compost is porous 
and well drained, but during the winter it is surprising what a little is 
sufficient to keep these bulbless plants in a healthy, plump condition. 
Those black marks on the leaves of M. Harryana may be largely attributed. 
to too much water during winter, and the sudden dropping off of leaves may 
be traced to the same cause, especially if the temperature falls very low at 
the same time. Masdevallias are cool-growing Orchids, and may be well 
cultivated if the above points are attended to. They are now commencing 
to form new roots, and any that have over-grown their pots should be re- 
potted. Do not use over-large pots, as a great lot of compost round their 
roots seems not to suit them. The compost should be pressed in firmly, 
and should consist of peat and sphagnum in equal proportions. For the 
Harryana section a little fibrous loam may be added with advantage. Water 
